Weekend Getaways From Sacramento That Won’t Break the Bank

Dreaming of a late-summer getaway but not sure it will fit into your budget? There are plenty of amazing but affordable places close to Sacramento where you can take a break from ordinary life and come back rested and rejuvenated. The following locations offer comfortable lodging, great dining, and tons of activities, from hiking to shopping to wine tasting. Best of all, each is within a three-hour drive of Sacramento.

Truckee

Photo courtesy David Mark via Pixabay 

What to do

Closer and more affordable than Lake Tahoe, Truckee delivers the same mountain experience, but with fewer crowds. Swim, boat and fish in the clear (but frigid!) water of Donner Lake, or hike around its shore. Truckee is also home to Donner Memorial State Park, which has a visitor’s center and memorial to the ill-fated Donner Party. Or, stroll through its historic downtown and browse through galleries and boutiques.

Where to stay

Donner Lake Inn Bed & Breakfast is a charming mountain inn with rustic cabin décor. Rooms aren’t the biggest in town, but with gas fireplaces, forest views and high-end linens, you won’t mind. Come morning, indulge in the hearty country breakfast, which includes handmade breads and pastries. Rates from $179/night.

What to eat & drink

There are plenty of affordable restaurants, bars and cafés in downtown Truckee. Old Town Tap has upscale appetizers and gourmet pizzas, while Truckee Station offers healthy options such as quinoa bowls. Indulge in Truckee’s vibrant beer scene at Truckee Brewing Company or Alibi Ale Works.

Nevada City

What to do

In the heart of California’s gold country, Nevada City is a charming small town ideal for nature lovers. The South Yuba State Park has rugged hiking trails and refreshing swimming holes. Back in town, you can explore the historic (and allegedly haunted!) buildings and quirky shops.

Where to stay

The Inn Town Campground is one of the best deals around, offering furnished canvas “glamping” tents complete with electricity and real beds. You can even rent a revamped retro RV with a full kitchen and bunk beds, all tucked beneath the pines just minutes from town. Cabins from $85/night; RVs from $150/night.

What to eat & drink

For a casual lunch, try South Pine Café, which serves hearty sandwiches such as burgers and melts and has plenty of vegetarian options. For dinner, try Lefty’s Grill, which serves dishes such as roasted salmon and barbecue short rib on a patio overlooking a bubbling creek. In between, sip Sierra foothill wines at Nevada City Winery or Szabo Tasting Room.

Petaluma

Photo courtesy John Martinez Pavliga on Flickr

What to do

With its charming historic buildings, downtown Petaluma is ideal for a casual stroll. You can browse the antique shops, shop for unique clothing, and take in the views of the Petaluma River. After hours, pop into one of the many live music venues around town, such as the Mystic Theatre. If you’re the outdoorsy type, you can explore the Petaluma Marsh, home to hundreds of species of birds.

Where to stay

Quaint and quirky, Metro Hotel & Café is a boutique hotel modeled after a Parisian café. There are a range of room options, from colorful suites with clawfoot tubs to revamped Airstream trailers to a lavender-hued stand-alone 19th-century farmhouse. Rent a bicycle, play bocce ball and savor the complimentary coffee and crepes in the morning. From $149/night.

What to eat & drink

For affordable Italian without pretension, try Cucina Paradiso, which serves hearty portions of classic dishes such as penne rustica and gorgonzola gnocchi. For something more casual, head to Taps Beer Co & Kitchen and indulge in poutine or banh mi tacos while overlooking the river. Petaluma is in the heart of Sonoma wine country, so be sure to stop by one of the many tasting rooms in town.

Angels Camp

Photo courtesy Carol Richardson via Go Calaveras

What to do

The picturesque Calaveras County town of Angels Camp is home to the Angels Camp Museum, which has one of the largest collections of carriages and wagons in the nation. It’s also close to Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Moaning Caverns. There’s easy access to New Melones Lake, as well as the many wineries of the Sierra foothills.

Where to stay

WorldMark Angels Camp is a condo resort with one- and two-bedroom suites. The spacious suites include gas fireplaces, full kitchens and private balconies. Cool off in the pool, relax in the hot tub and tee off at Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort. Rates from $160/night.

What to eat & drink

Start your day at Angels Creek Café, which specializes in made-to-order omelets and biscuits and gravy. Move on to Cascabel for authentic Mexican cuisine such as molcajete and carne asada. For Northern Italian specialties, try Crusco’s, which offers pasta, polenta, meat and seafood.

Pt. Reyes

Image by Mindaugas Savela via Pixabay

What to do

The Pt. Reyes National Seashore is a rocky coastline known for its rugged trails, desolate beaches and dramatic lookouts. You can kayak in Tomales Bay, view wildlife such as roaming elk and elephant seals, and sample local oysters and farmstead cheese. Windswept Limantour Beach is popular for beachcombing, horseback riding and picnicking.

Where to stay

The California coast is notoriously pricy, but there are some deals to be had. The Cottages at Pt. Reyes Seashore sits on 15 acres of creekside meadows, with hiking trails, hammocks, a swimming pool and hot tub. Cottages are modest but modern, some with full kitchens. From $139/night.

What to eat & drink

Colorful and airy, Side Street Kitchen in Pt. Reyes Station offers seasonal cuisine with upscale flair, such as roasted chicken with chimichurri and sesame-crusted rock cod. For wood-fired artisan pizza and local oysters, head to Café Reyes, which has a rustic patio overlooking the hills.

Featured photo courtesy Kial James Photography via Inn Town Campground